Lao New Year (Pii Mai Lao) is probably the biggest holiday in Laos. It officially starts on the 14th of April and goes until the 16th. On Sunday – for the first day of Pii Mai – we were invited by my Mom’s friend, Laty, to go with her and her family to the forest where there was a ceremony taking place. Laty is part “Souei” which is a Lao ethnic group, so this ceremony was more of a spiritual/ethnic ceremony than it was a Buddhist one – the whole concept of it being that we go into the forest and leave offering for the spirits of the woods. When we arrived there, I was a little surprised because there were a lot of people! We sat down with Laty and her family, and Mom got a few shots of the scene.
After being there a little while, we were allowed to go up to this little hut that had been built and give something to the spirits, Laty told us that we could also ask the spirits for good health, good luck and good strength. Mom had bought some food beforehand to put in the spirit house, it was a very special moment. It’s so cool to be experiencing a whole different culture!
Not too long after, our visit was cut short. A snake had apparently slithered out of the forest itself and arrived at the party! Laty ushered us out just so we could stay clear of any potential danger, but she herself said that she believed the snake was one of the spirits and that he/she was just visiting and was happy that the ceremony was taking place.
In the afternoon we met up with Laty again and walked to the temple in Lao Ngam. When we were there we participated in a Buddhist tradition, it consists of dipping a branch into a bowl of water and sprinkling it over the stupas at the temple grounds (the stupas are like the equivalent of graves for us). It is a little bit like the spirit festival in the forest, and is how the Lao people honour their ancestors.
I have a couple more stories to tell about Pii Mai Lao, so I will put out another post as soon as possible! Pop kan mai for now!
*Word of the day: Pii Mai (Pronounced Pii – my), it translates to ‘New Year’. “Mai” means new in Lao and “Pii” means year.
Taya's Laos Blog 
Wow Taya such great experiences. It’s so good that that you and and your Mom have developed these relationships and able to join in these traditions. You’ll carry this for the rest of your life!
Would of liked to see the snake though!- he just wanted to join in!
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I agree! See you soon!!!
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Ngam post dearest Taya – khwap jai ….. Such a special ceremony – what an honour to experience ….. I agree with Laty – the snake was sharing its* approval xoxoxo …..such a ngam * spirit house * ….. I love the practice of honouring the forest spirits and the Lao people honouring their ancestors ….. so much love for you all xoxo…..
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